Wisconsin reports two deaths from West Nile virus

Mosquito bites can transmit the West Nile Virus to humans, birds and other animals. (James Gathany | CDC)

Two Wisconsin residents have died and a third has been hospitalized with illness from the West Nile virus , the state health department reported Thursday.

On average, 18 Wisconsin residents a year are reported to have West Nile virus illness, according to the Department of Health Services (DHS).

The virus spreads from infected birds to mosquitoes, which spread the virus when they bite humans, birds or other animals, according to DHS. The virus can be spread anytime mosquitoes are active, but most cases of illness in humans are reported in August and September.

The first three human cases of illness from the virus in Wisconsin this year were in residents of Outagamie, Fond du Lac and Brown counties, DHS reported. The department reported that the virus has also been detected this year in mosquitoes, animals, and in healthy blood donors whose blood screened positive for the virus.

Most people infected with the virus do not develop symptoms, according to DHS.

“Those who do become ill may experience fever, chills, headache, muscle ache, rash, and fatigue,” the department said in an announcement Thursday. “Some people will develop severe illness with symptoms that include high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, mental confusion, tremors, paralysis, seizure, and coma.”

Older adults and people with compromised immune systems have a higher risk of severe illness from the virus, which can be fatal, according to DHS.

State public health officials recommend using insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 when outside where mosquitoes are present; wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants for protection; and avoiding outdoor activities that take place in the early morning or the evening, when mosquitoes are most active.

DHS also prescribes other mosquito prevention measures , such as eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed.

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